“Men forget the death of their father more quickly than the loss of their patrimony.”Niccolò Machiavelli · Principele · 1532 · Principele, Cap. XVII
The loss of wealth strikes deeper than grief, because it threatens security and status.
Machiavelli points to a harsh truth about human nature: grief for a parent fades with time, but losing wealth directly undermines one's ability to live well and command respect. A nobleman who loses his inheritance is scorned, while one mourning his father is pitied only briefly. For instance, a bankrupt businessman is cast out of his social circles, whereas a bereaved one returns after a few months.
Machiavelli says people are not rational, but concerned with social survival. When you lose wealth, you also lose your place in the community. A neighbor who goes bankrupt is no longer invited to parties, because his status has collapsed. This fear explains why many make huge sacrifices for money. The next step shows how you can use this fear as a leader.
Why it matters Use this to understand why people cling to money and status even during emotional crises.